Giving

Acts 11:29

“And in proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution, for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.”

This verse teaches us an important lesson about giving. The Christians in Antioch heard of a great famine occurring in Judea and felt led to do something about it. So they collected an offering and sent it to the elders of the churches in Judea by Saul and Barnabas.

Notice the phrase “proportion that any of the disciples had means”. This phrase speaks of proportional giving. There are a couple of other verses in Scripture that help us understand this term. The first is in I Corinthians 16:2 which instructs us “on the first day of every week, each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” Proverbs 3:9 says “honor the Lord from your wealth, and the first of all your produce.” I think the important word in both of these sentences is “first”. Each time we receive a paycheck, the first thing we should consider is how much we should give to the Lord’s work. “First of all your produce” means your best, not your leftovers.

God desires that giving be our number one financial priority. Americans generally consider giving as their last priority. Their first priority is paying off the debt they have incurred. Then they must pay taxes to the government. Thirdly they must pay their living costs; then, hopefully set aside some for saving. If any is left over they give. This is not God’s will. He wants us to consider Him first. Recently, a region of the United States was devastated by a hurricane and there was great need. Many felt a need to help, but could not because of other financial commitments. Often we have significant needs in our churches and God expects His people to meet those needs.

Another verse teaches about our attitude in giving. II Corinthians 9: 7 teaches “each one must do as he purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God wants giving to come from our heart. If we can’t give cheerfully, we probably shouldn’t give. You see, God doesn’t need our funds for He owns everything. We need to give for the benefit that accrues to us.
I pray that you will live your life financially so that you may be a cheerful giver.